4 Ways Cancer Patients Can Benefit From Yoga

November 5, 2014 6:59 PM

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This October marked the one-year anniversary of my mother's cancer diagnosis. While pink ribbons are sported for 31 days by loving supporters, no matter the time of year, those suffering from cancer face physical and emotional challenges from first diagnosis all the way through post-treatment. My mother faced her cancer with tremendous courage and grace. She also took up a new hobby during her treatment, yoga. A fellow survivor and facilitator at the cancer care center she attended encouraged her to take up yoga as it had proven so helpful during her own battle. I would never have guessed that was what it would take to turn my 71-year-old mom into a devoted yogini.

Studies have shown that a structured yoga practice during cancer treatment can radically improve physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Additionally, according to a Harvard Medical School Mental Health Letter, yoga reduces stress and anxiety which in turn reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressu...